SITA expands innovation footprint with new tech hub in Romania
October 10, 2024
Underpinning its role as a global leader in air transport technology, SITA is opening a new tech hub in Cluj to expand its focus on the development of next-gen technologies.
The facility in Romania joins SITA’s existing network of technology hubs in the UK (London), Ireland (Letterkenny) and India (New Delhi), all aimed at advancing the future of air travel through innovative technologies.
Faster, smarter, greener travel
“As the aviation industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, our new tech hub in Cluj-Napoca will help accelerate the development of technologies that meet growing passenger demand for faster, smarter and greener travel,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA (pictured centre). He added that the new hub, which will focus on automation, biometrics and AI will play a “critical role in modernising passenger processing.”
With airports and airlines investing US$10.8 billion and US$34.5 billion in IT, according to SITA’s 2023 Air Transport IT Insights, the network of tech hubs has already been instrumental in creating platforms like SITA Flex, which enables passengers to check-in and board using their phones. Meanwhile SITA’s cloud-based WorldTracer system has reduced lost baggage incidents by 77% worldwide.
As the industry continues to transition to cloud-based, mobile and self-service solutions, the development of the Cluj-Napoca hub will help support the industry’s broader digital transformation.
Brainstorming with Virgin Atlantic
Further underlining its commitment to explore innovations that will enhance the sector, SITA revealed earlier this week that it had met with Virgin Atlantic to brainstorm the future of air travel.
The session saw the two companies explore innovative ways to: boost efficiency in airport operations; enhance the passenger journey with advanced digital solutions; redefine baggage handling; adopt sustainable initiatives driven by data insights on energy use and carbon reduction; and explore next-gen technologies and data-comms to make seamless integration a reality.
